Eligibility Specialist

What you will do

Families in need and in crisis require time sensitive actions from strong, compassionate individuals who are dedicated to assisting the vulnerable and promoting strong self-sufficient families. This demanding and challenging career could be your opportunity to help those in need make a better life for themselves and their families.

The primary function of an Eligibility Specialist involves determining the eligibility of applicants and recipients for government assistance programs. The work performed includes processing data from electronic sources and entering information into a computer-based eligibility system under state and federal requirements. Eligibility workers are expected to handle a high volume of deadline‑driven work, prioritize, plan and project their work, and remain flexible to frequent changes in program policy and computer-based systems.

The duties of a typical day are as follows:

• Interview applicants to obtain and verify information needed to determine eligibility for Food Assistance, Medicaid, and Cash Assistance.
• Learn numerous state and federal program regulations through intensive training prior to full case assignment and ongoing training thereafter.
• Instruct clients in completion of various forms, and review the applications and forms submitted for completeness and accuracy.
• Determine program eligibility in accordance with current regulations using a computer-based eligibility system.
• Research information provided by an applicant until satisfactory explanations regarding eligibility status are confirmed.
• Report cases where identity theft or fraud is suspected.
• Advise clients of deadlines, time frames, and necessary actions to be taken.
• Work with clients who may not take the necessary actions within the required time frame.
• Establish and maintain multiple electronic files and conduct regular reviews and updates.
• Document all communications and contacts with clients.
• Manage an electronic caseload that varies based on community needs, ensuring accuracy levels are maintained and cases are processed within the specified time frames set by federal and state regulations.
• Compute and authorize government assistance benefits based on financial and family status, and explain the monthly benefit amount to the customer.
• Stay current with changes in rules, laws, procedures, etc. that affect timeliness and accuracy.
• Face‑to‑face contact with clients may be required.

• Two years or more of customer service, interviewing, recruiting, investigating, accounting, processing insurance policies, or determining eligibility. An associate degree, or higher from an accredited college or university, or 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours can substitute for the experience. (When applying please attach required education, certification, or licensure).
• Ability to attend an 8‑12 week mandatory training course.

• All eligible candidates will be required to complete a skills assessment to include typing, general aptitude, and employee personality tests. The assessment must be completed within 3 days of receiving the link.
• Hired candidates may be eligible for telework after nine months of employment, completion of training, and meeting performance expectations.
• Language proficiency may be considered in the selection process as determined by agency needs at the time of selection.
• Incumbents may be expected to work during emergency situations or natural disasters.

• Apply laws, rules, and regulations governing eligibility and grant determination for multiple government assistance programs.
• Review images such as pictures or handwritten notes to make eligibility determinations based on the information provided.
• Communicate with others to obtain and verify information concerning eligibility.
• Detect and evaluate potential fraudulent situations.
• Analyze and interpret written, numerical, and verbal data from various sources.
• Enter data accurately into a computerized system.
• Navigate through computer screens, complete and review basic computer documents and other forms.
• Plan and organize caseload to ensure work is…